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| Tales from the Woods |
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| 24-07-2010 |
 Lubbeek Roadbook |
It had been a while since I first rode the O2 Bikers roadbook that starts in Lubbeek. In fact you can read my account of the first encounter here. I rode the Moots over Bierbeek and Korbeek Lo to pick up the trail on the ridge overlooking Korbeek Lo. I used the same version of the track as last year but the Garmin Edge 705 has seen some software since then. Which makes for a better refresh rate after corners and also the version of the topographic map is now in higher contrast and better colors. The first sections to reach Pellenberg are a good intro into what this route offers. A couple of tracks in the forest, a tricky downhill and a very steep ascent on a small singletrail. The trail then worms itself in the direction of Lubbeek. I noticed it must have rained considerably in this region yesterday because the trails looked pretty washed . Also, the storm of July 14th has left a lot of trees decapitated. I passed the section where I flatted last year with some reservation but all went fine today. No flat tyres. I don't hate mending a tyre but stopping also means that horseflies have a chance of finding their way to my body. I wore long trousers - imbibed with my custom insect repellent - and sprayed Autan on my exposed arms. I didn't have any problems with insects, luckily. The weather was sunny but a very noticeable northwesterly wind kept the temperatures in the lower 20ies. Degrees Celcius that is. A fine day for a ride.
 
When I passed the start in Lubbeek I paused to restart the navigation on my GPS and before long I was enjoying singletracks again. The climb to the Calvarie Berg was very steep and also very difficult due to fallen branches and washouts form yesterdays' thunderstorm. Before crossing the N2 I was hesitating again when the track directed me into what looked to be private property. But I went for it and indeed, it was allright to pass. The Sassenbeek walking route, with the logs still in place, made me wish I had a full suspension bike instead of the YBB but it was only 200 meters long. The trail then moves towards Tielt Winge and follows a local mountainbike trail, called the Solveld route. Great passage in the forest here, with steep uphills and a couple of very fast downhills. I later noticed I clocked 60kph at one time. I was almost tempted to ride this section again but decided to move along the route instead.
The trail now moved along small singletrails through the fields. The wind was playing its part and I was feeling my legs from yesterdays' ride. But nearing Linden another passage in the forest awaited. And a great one. This time I didn't miss part of the loop - although I nearly took a wrong direction again at the point where the track almost converges with itself. I noticed I was wrong and had to backtrack a little. But then I could enjoy a downhill into Linden and a nice long uphill along some winding singletrack in the forest. From Linden the track crosses the N2 again and then follows the GR route up the ridge overlooking Korbeek Lo. Hey, I've come full circle.
Beautiful track, and one of the better O2 roadbooks in my region for sure. You can download the track at the O2 Bikers website. Just search for Lubbeek. Officially its around 40K and has 550 heightmeters. I won't argue with either figure, they are correct. You have to take care in some of the forest passages because there are plenty of trails crisscrossing and the track has not a lot of trackpoints. I could provide a higher quality version of todays' track if needed, just pop me a mail.
Ride Stats : 60K and 730/815 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h16mins
5677/59345
24-07-2010, 18:10 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 23-07-2010 |
| LF6 |
Weather forecast called for possible showers, even an occasional thunderstorm. After having checked meteox.be I decided to take my chances and follow the LF6 Vlaanderen Fietsroute about 40K out. This route takes me through Bierbeek, Meldert, Hoegaarden and then to Laar and Neerwinden. When I was close to Neerlanden and saw 41K and 1h45 on my counter I decided to turn.
Up till now the sun had been my companion but when I turned around I noticed some darker clouds over the far horizons. In Laar I passed some witnesses of the July 14th storm. A lots of trees had been broken and I stopped to take a picture of an old willow.
When I neared Meldert I was sure I would not be able to escape a gathering thunderstorm. I had heard the thunder a couple of times and I could see the dark center cloud on my left. When I left Opvelp it started to rain. I put on my Goretex Paclite and for 3 to 4 K it rained heavily. When I left Bierbeek the rain subsided and the wind already started to dry my clothes. Only a couple of kilometers to go now and I finished with a good ride under my belt at a long distance pace and with an average heartrate of only 109bpm.
Ride Stats : 82k and 535/590 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h29mins
5616/58530
23-07-2010, 14:58 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 19-07-2010 |
| Language Border roadbook |
Today looked like a perfect day for a longer offroad ride. Since temperatures will rise tomorrow and wednesday might see thunderstorms, today was the day. I took the Moots out for a spin around the O2 Bikers 'taalgrens' roadbook. Having ridden this before I knew what I wanted to do. Ride the beginning through Meerdael Forest and Nethen, then in Pietrebais decide whether I should ride further or not, cut through to the returning track and pick it up again in the neighborhood of the Ferme de Wahenge.
I wore a Troy Lee Design Moto enduro trousers over my 3/4th Assos jerseys to keep the horseflies away. This enduro trouser is thicker than normal trousers and is by design very light and airy. I had no troubles with it . It performed like it should and kept all nasties away from my upper legs.
Even though I left at 8.30AM by the time I reached Pietrebais, some 2 hours later, I begann to feel the heat when I was in the open. And there is a lot of open in this ride. The start is nice and cool in the forest, but then it alternates through light and shade in the Nethen fields and hollow roads. A long patch in the fields connecting to Pietrebais where I took a little break in front of the church.
I decided to follow the track to where it crosses the N91 near Happeau. From there I made my way towards the N240, crossing it near Melin. I saw some track on my GPS that turned out to be a non-track and I had to cross a field in order to hook up with the rutty track I wanted to avoid. Still, I then reached the ferme de Wahenge and was on my way again for another hour in the open fields. I was glad I saw Meerdael Forest again and quickly road through I to emerge near Haasrode. A last stretch over tarmac brought me home just past noon. Not bad for a ride in these temperatures and I was glad I met my goal for today.
Ride Stats : 65K and 530/590 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h39mins
5474/57535
19-07-2010, 13:40 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 17-07-2010 |
| Around Leuven |
A pulled muscle in my lower back made me take it easy for a couple of days but today I wanted to see if I could ride again. So I set out , after it had rained a bit in the AM, for an easy recovery ride. Ride which took me through Heverlee and to the Parkpoort in Leuven. I then followed the rind around Leuven , pausing briefly to take a picture of the monument Rik Poot erected in front of the KBC Insurance buildings. It is called 'The Abduction of Europa' and pictures Europa being taken away by Zeus, in the form of a majestic bull.
I then continued along the ring around Leuven until I reached the Naamsepoort. Here I disappeared into the smaller alleys and my road then took me towards Heverlee and Oud-Heverlee. Along the Zoete Waters and further towards Sint Joris Weert and Nethen. From there it was only a small stretch towards Hamme Mille and Meerdael again. I felt Ok throughout the ride and now have to wait how the muscles will react to the strain of the ride.
Ride Stats : 37.5K and 250/290 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h40
5355/56555
17-07-2010, 14:27 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 14-07-2010 |
| Birthday Ride |
Rise and shine at 7.30am to beat the heat. I was planning to combine the 50K of the 1W Tour des Loups, with the 100K of the BizOnTheBike . Starting out in Pietrebais the 1W moves slowly towards Perwez. The wind was blowing hard from the south - a dry hot wind - and I struggled a bit in the beginning. Not wanting to stress myself too much in view of the lenght of the ride - I guessed it would be between 85 an 90K - I took it easy and tried to enjoy the sun which was already making its way like a speedy fireball towards the zenith.
Passing through villages with names like Maleves Sainte Marie Wastinnes I reached the outskirts of Perwez and took the 50K version of the 1W along the ravel towards Ramillies
 
Then the track turned towards Mont-Saint-Andre and Bomal. A bit further the track then is joined by the 90K 1W trail as it drops into Jauchelette.
A tough bit is the climb out of Dongelberg, where the sun is hammering on my back. After Dongelberg I reach Lathuy and when I cross the N240 and enter Melin I have to switch from the small 1W signs to the big blue BizOnTheBike arrows. My trail now leads me to Saint Remy Geest and Zetrud Lumay. I pause to take a picture of the Hoegaarden church before entering this village at the edge of the language border.
The trail now makes a loop towards Hauthem and the Marollen Chapel before entering Hoksem where I take a picture of its unique church with the two church roosters.
A long uphill and fast downhill takes me to Kumtich where the track at last turns towards Willebringen, Neervelp and Bierbeek. It turns out my guess was exactly right since the trail measures almost 90K. With a riding time of almost 4 hours I beat the midday sun. When I arrive home some small clouds begin to appear. Perhaps we will see some rain in the afternoon.
Ride Stats : 89K and 680/735 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h59mins
5318/56265
14-07-2010, 14:02 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 12-07-2010 |
| Extra Meerdael Classic |
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This morning saw the passing of some thinderstorms with only mild rain. So in the afternoon I decided to try my luck offroad and headed out with the Moots towards Pecrot. I had decided on doing the extra loop the 100K meerdael classic did after the split from the 67K distance. I had noticed that this 37K loop had around 700 heightmeters, nearly half of the entire 100K distance. And of course my legs had also noticed the relentless succession of climbs and descents. So after a bit of work with Mapsource I had extracted that loop and loaded it in my Edge 705.
Starting in Pecrot with the infamous railroad singletrack followed by a climb and descent towards Florival station. Then the loop goes towards the Laurensart forest for a great loop followed by a passage through Ottenburg and down along the Oliestraat. 22% climb into St Agatha Rode Bos and then following the Overijse loop for a while before taking a right towards Terlanen and up through the Zandstraat. A first passage on the Smeysberg. The most difficult climb on the Overijse trails is also there, and at the top you have a beautiful lookout over Huldenberg. The Brabanders were there so I paused briefly to take a couple of pictures.
Then a fast downhill through a tricky hollow road into Huldenberg and a bit of recovery along the edge of the river Ijse. Not for long though because the trail then does 4 climbs in the Margijsbos. Yes, an amazing loop this one. Down towards the Langerode and then yet another long climb back up the ridge. At last a downhill towards the Langerode again and a passage through Sint Agatha Rode brings me towards the Marbaise where the trail ends . Amazing loop, and a tough one as well. You can find it on my Garmin Connect page where you also find the complete 100K if you should feel the need to ride that.
But if you only have a limited time I want to recommend this extra trail. It is one of the best loops I've done in a while in this region. There is not much I would add, given the already large amount of hills, descents and curvy singletrails. Be prepared for a 2h30-3 hours ride though.
Ride Stats : 60K and 810/885 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h28mins
5228/55530
12-07-2010, 20:28 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 11-07-2010 |
| Huppaye |
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Despite the passing of a few thunderstorms, with some welcome rain, the temperatures were already rising towards 25 degrees C when I rode out a little before 9am. I wanted to do a substantial ride before it got too hot. I rode over Bierbeek and Meldert towards Hauthem and then descended into Hoegaarden. Following the Ravel just past Jodoigne to where it crosses the incoming track of the 1W ride.
This happens in Huppaye. From there I followed the 1W ride over Dongelberg, Lathuy and Melin to the N240. Here I followed that road towards Hamme Mille and then took a left towards Nethen for a last loop over SintJoris Weert and the Zoete Waters. By now it was nearly noon and the temperatures had risen to a comfortable 30 degrees C. Good thing there was a good breeze blowing from the west. When I arrived home I could see the first clouds forming on the southern horizon. More thunderstorms are forecast later today and tonight.
Ride Stats : 67,5K and 425/525 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h57mins
5168/54645
11-07-2010, 13:22 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 08-07-2010 |
| Fighting Falcon |
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I started an hour earlier today to try and beat the heat but I still had 2 degrees more on average than yesterday. 29 degrees C that is. Good thing there was still a breeze blowing because there was not a cloud in sight to stop the sun from beating down. I did another 'in point' ride, riding out over Hamme Mille and then through the fields along the N91 towards Pietrebais and along the N240 passing the main entrance of the Charles Roman 1W Airbase. I then took a left towards Melin and then crossed the N240 again on my way to Lathuy. In the fields past Lathuy , one hour into the ride, I took a 360 degree turn .
I took the same way back but decided to have a better look at the General Dynamics F16 fighter that was recently put on display on the entrance of the Charles Roman Airbase in Beauvechain. I took a series of pictures that can be viewed HERE. Here is an example.
From there I took a turn towards the N240 again and followed my way back home along the same way I had ridden an hour ago. I also stopped by the little chapel outside Nodebais for a brief rest in the shade. I like to read the texts that have been written on its walls.
From Nodebais it was a short way through Hamme Mille and into Meerdael Forest to get home just past noon. It promises to be a very hot day and it really should rain because the fields are so dry the harvest is in danger. Maybe tomorrow some thunderstorms might reach us, but that is not the kind of rain the land needs. It really should rain for a day , soft and continuous. But that is not in the immediate future it seems.
Ride Stats : 48K and 365/465 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h12mins
5101/54120
08-07-2010, 13:41 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 07-07-2010 |
| Notre Dame des Affligés |
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Sun is out, even with a stiff breeze blowing from the south things were heating up very fast. Rode out with no particular idea for a route in my mind. So I started by following some orange arrows that brought me to the Zoete Waters and then to Sint Joris Weert and St Agatha Rode, there I rode towards Terlanen and climbed up to Ottenburg. Here I decided to ride towards Basse-Wavre and connect to Gistoux and Chaumont, following the same route like the Tour de France did 2 days ago. Just past Gistoux I took a left turn and made my way towards Longueville. Here I paused briefly in the shade of the Chapelle du Cheneau, or as it is officially know, the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Affligés.
Riding along towards Heze and Grez Doiceau I felt the ultimate joy in cycling, a slight downhill with a gentle breeze and the sun in your back and overlooking some very beautiful landscapes. From Grez I took the direction of Hamme Mille, passing through Bossut on the way, and then back home.
Ride Stats : 58K and 510/550 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h40mins
5053/53655
07-07-2010, 14:59 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 04-07-2010 |
| 18th Meerdael Classic 100K |
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Looks easy when you read this but this years' edition of the Meerdael Classic was not that easy. The weather had been very hot in the days leading up to the weekend , with a 33 degrees day on friday, and I didn't bike offroad since last monday. The fear of getting bitten by horseflies also kept me on the safe side of caution. Yesterday saw a little bit of rain during the day, but that was far from enough to change the dry conditions. This morning it was cool and fresh but it promised to be a good and sunny day.
The Ride :
Got out of bed at 6am and took my time preparing for the start. Around 7.27 I set off, having pre-inscribed I also had a T-shirt coming my way but I decided to pick that up after the ride. The first bit of the ride took us into a cool Heverlee Bos for what may be considered an easy warmup. The trail moves towards Korbeek Dyle, not before following a lesser known track to get to the Natur Natur center. The sun is out but luckily there are also clouds which keep temperatures bearable. Moving towards the Heverleebos again the trail takes us into Vaalbeek and then after 18K we arrive into Meerdael Forest at last.
 
The track through Meerdael Forest takes me over the Naamsesteenweg and towards Haasrode where a first rest stop awaits us at the Bremberg We are 23K into the ride. Lots to eat and drink but they might have offered something more Sports-people minded than cookies and chocolate bars. There is water and also some sports beverage.
After this welcome break the trail moves towards Bierbeek where we pass the start of one of the Meerdael Bloso trails. We also follow this trail, albeit in the opposite direction, and things are spicing up a bit now with the addition of a climb here and there in the Dikke Eik region. Passing the Naamsesteenweg again the trail now moves towards Nethen where more serious things await us. Starting with a nice singletrack followed by a technical descent into Nethen. A long climb over cobbles takes us up to the plateau but we descend right away back down and then venture into the Lianenklim. A local hotspot which consists of a long and technical uphill through a deep hollow road. Due to the dry conditions it is completely ride-able if you can deal with big sandstones, deep ruts and the occasional log. The trail then moves towards Bossut where a second rest stop is situated. 40K into the ride already. I borrow a pump to add some air to my rear tyre. Good thinking of the organisation to have a pump, chain lube and a small technical toolkit at every rest stop.
Down into Archennes for a first loop which leads us to a sandy uphill. I did not manage it, I believe few did. It takes us up into the La Malaise area where a tricky downhill has many a brake a-squealing. Back up and towards Nethen again after another stony and rutty descent. Having local knowledge of the trails certainly helps because I see a lot of people struggling trying to find the good path to take you down. Back up again through a long hollow road climb that leads us towards Pecrot. Here a first highlight of the Classic follows. Taking the railroad singletrack, followed by a long climb up the crest and then zooming back down along a man-made downhill with lots of berms and whoops. Down in Florival the 100K leaves the 67K for an extra loop.
The track now moves towards a beautiful long uphill along a very deep valley in the Bois de Laurensart. We are ride in file Indienne and it is impossible to pass the slower riders in front of me. I relax and take the moment to look around and gather my strenght. After a short stint on the plateau we drop down a very steep trail and arrive at the Gastuche side of Ottenburg. Slowly riding back up again between field and forest and we are set for a bit of fun next to Ottenburg. First a very small track leads me down to another track which takes me into a deep and lush valley. Covered with grass and surrounded by forest on 3 sides. A very beautiful spot. Here we meet the Red Overijse Bloso and they decided to take the next-to-impossible climb up the crest. They might have just followed the red and take the less steep climb instead. But no time to fret, we drop down again and I have to really dig deep to make the short steep uphill that follows. Crossing the road from Florival to Ottenburg for yet another climb. Crossing the road from Sint Agatha Rode to Ottenburg and down the tricky Oliestraat. I see a biker with a flat tyre. Careful here. Then follows the steepest climb of the day when we grind our way up the steep slope of Sint Agatha Rode Bos . I make it, lots of people don't. Crossing the road from Sint Agatha Rode to Ottenburg again, we did a loop , and a little further awaits the 3rd rest stop.
I meet someone I know from years back when he was still with the Blancs Gilets. We ride some time together but he is too strong so I let him move away. The sun is out more now, and when I ride up the Zavelstraat that takes us close to Huldenberg I begin to feel my legs. Obviously they could not leave out one of the trickiest uphills on the Overijse trails. I make this one as well. Kudos go to the Moots .
Down into Huldenberg again and then the trail follows the river Ijse for a while . A well - deserved break.
But not for long because now another highlight of this ride is upon us. They takes us into the Margijsbos and up the Smeyberg crest for no less than 5 climbs and downhills. Somewhere along those climbs we pass the 1000 heightmeters mark. Some nice singletrails here and they take advantage of every opportunity to make this 100K loop worthwhile. When we arrive in Sint Agatha Rode at last we get another easy bit before entering Marbaise and discovering the 4th rest stop.
Here the Red Bull girls are waiting for us. Pity their beverage doesn't do full justice to their looks. Its what Red Bull calls cola but besides it being cold it doesn't taste like much. I add it to what is left in my drinking bottle and move along for the last 12K or so. The trail now takes us back to Nethen where we enter Meerdael Forest again and have to tackle another couple of climbs. The zooming downhills now demand full concentration. With the strength fading from the legs, I tend to let things hang out a bit on the downhills. Not a good idea when they are dusty and full of ruts. Dipping into Sint Joris Weert for a little bit and then moving towards Meerdaelhof where a sign tells us what we already knew.
Only a couple of K to go now, before we reach the football field of the Zwarte Duivels, where I started some 6 hours ago for what proved to be one of the more difficult Meerdael Classics I have ridden. These are the facts as they appeared on my instruments after the ride.
When I got home I discovered I had been very lucky today. I had felt a bump with every turn of my rear wheel but I couldn't pinpoint its source. I thought it must have been because of my wheel being out of true. But then I saw this
 . Scary to say the least. When you consider all the stones, lugs, cobbles, gravel and other nasties I have been riding over today its a small miracle that tyre didn't burst.
The Lowdown :
Not much can be added. Once again the Downhill Bikers have offered us a great ride. There were some new sections this year and - judging from the facts and the feeling in my legs - they made the ride more hilly. The organisers never fail to make the most of this region, without overdoing it. A subtle difference. Some new tracks - at leats for me - and several sections on the 100K distance that make this ride worth its while. This is the 18th version and of course this organisation is hard to fail. I might say they are nearly flawless.
If I am pressed to find a minus point I could say that they might consider adding some food that is more apt for Sports use. Cookies and chocolate bars only offer fast sugars, not the much needed slow ones.
What I liked :
+Great Trails, with attention to lesser visited tracks
+Arrowing was more than adequate and sufficient
+4 rest stops on the 100K
+Good signage before and after every split.
+Plenty of water and some sports bevarage, also Red Bull (+girls ! ) at the last rest-stop.
+Bananas and oranges are OK for Sports .
+Well organised bike-park with easy system to collect your bike afterwards
What I did not like:
-not enough variety in food offerings. Cookies and chocolate are not exactly energy food for Sports.
Ride Stats : 114K and 1380/1525 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 6h14mins
TT Stats : 100K and 1490 heightmeters (Garmin)
Hill factor : 14,9
4952/52690
04-07-2010, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 01-07-2010 |
| Biz on the Bike 57K |
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Temperatures are getting hotter every day now and today saw 31 degrees C as the warmest day so far this year. I waited until 8pm before I ventured out . The hot air forced me to ride very relaxed and low-paced. I decided to do the 57K version of the Biz on the Bike trail. Leading me from Vaalbeek to Sint Joris Weert, then on to the Smeysberg and down again into Terlanen where another climb took me to Ottenburg. From there I rode to Eerken and then in Pecrot I took the split to the left towards Nethen. From Nethen to Hamme-Mille, Tourinnes la Grosse and Beuvechain. From there the last loop took me to Opvelp, Bierbeek, Haasrode and Blanden. When I arrived home darkness began to fall and I still saw 27 degrees on my Polar.
Ride Stats : 47.5K and 335/375 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h09mins
4838/51165
01-07-2010, 22:31 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 28-06-2010 |
| Imelda watch over me |
Holy hotness Batman !! Indeed, typical Belgian weather conditions, when its hot, its really hot and today the temperature went over 30 degrees in the shade. So the only option was to get the Moots out for a 'cool' ride into Meerdael Forest. Having dressed up in long sleeves and 3/4 pants and having sprayed my arms and legs with a mixture against horseflies - made by the wife of a colleague, wife that uses this spray also on her horse - I rode out into the forest.
I stayed on the main roads and rode a leisurely pace. Anything faster wouldn't be very healthy. For those that frown at the above, let me remind you that I am allergic to horsefly bites and usually around this time of year I get bitten and have to spend some time recovering from the ever more violent allergic reactions. So I try to minimize the risks by covering up and spraying on some DEET or other product to drive the biting flies away.
This year I have been bitten already once, through 2 layers of clothing on my leg. Luckily it was only a scratch, the culprit must have been driven away by the movement of the fabric. So I only suffered a little swelling for a day or two. But that was the sign to go into high alert mode.
I stayed on the main roads and stopped along the Walendreef to take a picture of Imelda, the good witch, who has been carved into a tree by Ad Wouters as part of his 12 workings.
You can check them out at this website : http://www.geocities.com/brabo.geo/boomverbeelding.htm .
After less than an hour - which was more than enough because even in the shade of the forest the average temperature reached 25 degrees C - I was back home and tried to cool down taking a lukewarm bath.
Ride Stats : 17,5K and 120/175 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 00h53mins
4790/50790
28-06-2010, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 26-06-2010 |
| Biz On The Bike 100 |
I had noticed some big blue arrows when I was riding the 1W tour earlier this week and today I wanted to see where they were heading. I noticed they also passed in Blanden so it was easy for me to pick up on them. At the Zoete Waters I noticed they were running double. In the direction on Korbeek Dyle and also coming from there. So I guessed the start must be somewhere near Leuven and followed the arrows towards Sint Joris Weert and further on. Quickly I noticed there were markings for something called the Biz On The Bike tour that seemed to be following the same trail as the big blue arrows. The trail meandered nicely in the region of the Smeysberg and then towards Ottenburg and Pecrot. Here there was a first split. 57K in one direction and 100 and 145 in the other. The heat notwithstanding I felt good and decided to try the 100K. After all, I would never reach a full 100K since I didn't do the coming and going from the start, right?
The trail kept on going up and donw in the region of Chaumont Gistoux and Longueville. Some very beautiful passages here and I was quite enjoying this. The sun was obscured by clouds from time to time and I had to use my one drinking bottle sparingly. I had passed a feed zone for this ride, just before the split in Pecrot, but obviously I was not allowed to stop there. I did not pay an entrance fee, I was merely following some arrows on the road.
Just before the crossing of the N91 in Incourt, there was another split. The 145K veered to the right and the 100K went straight ahead. I decided not to push my luck and stayed on the 100K.
The trail went into Dongelberg and then merged with the 1W route going towards Lathuy and Melin. In Melin the 1W veers to the left towards Sart, but this route turns right and goes on through Saint Remi Geest, with a passage on cobbles where I had the advantage over the guys with the racebikes. In Hoegaarden there was a second feed zone. From Hoegaarden the trail then climbs up on the crest and through smaller trails reaches Hauthem and makes a little detour towards the Marollen Chapel. Here I stopped but I noticed a lot of the racebike guys seemed to be taking a shortcut somewhere.
The trail then goes on towards Hoksem and Kontich before turning towards Willebringen. I really was getting though my drinking bottle and began to look around for places where I could score something to drink. But I found nothing. Moving through Neervelp and then towards Bierbeek I was only 10K from home anyways so I rode on. A car pulled up alongside me when I was climbing towards the World Globe in Bierbeek and my friend Roger emerged from behind the window. They had been to the Ardennes for a ride and he was asking if I wanted to join him tomorrow for an offroad ride. Honestly at this point I cannot say. I feel tired and will have to wait to see if I can recover sufficiently .
I have been trying a new product against horseflies . It is a recipe from a friends' wife, who uses it to protect her horses from the voracious insects. It smells like citronella and pickle juice but it seems to be working. I haven't tried it offroad yet. The smell is bad enough to scare away all living things. I have been using it for 2 onroad rides now . There have been no stains on my clothing and I haven't seen any insects on my clothing. Lets hope I don't react to any of the ingredients but so far nothing has happened.
Todays' ride was a good one. The trails from the Biz On the Bike event - I just learned they started in Heverlee - were great and offered a good alternative for future rides as well. You can check their website here : http://www.bizonthebike.be/ There are downloads offered for the 3 distances .
Ride Stats: 91.5K and 735/840 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 4h10mins
4773/50615
26-06-2010, 16:28 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 22-06-2010 |
| Route des Loups 50K |
Beautiful day so I set out for a longer ride. I had noticed a distance split on the Route des Loups when I rode the 90K version on the 12th, so I decided to try and do the lesser distance today. I rode over Hamme Mille and then towards Pietrebais to pick up where the route starts coming from La Bruyere and the 1st Wing Airbase. There was much less wind than the last ime and I also felt a little better, possibly due to the clear and crisp weather. Since I already did this part I could make good speed and quickly arrived near the split just before reaching Perwez.
The 50K takes the Ravel back towards Ramillies and then turns towards Bomal and Jauchelette after which it reunites with the 90K for a superb last bit through Dongelberg and Lathuy towards Melin. It then veers off towards La Bruyere. When I reach the airbase entrance I noticed they put a an F16 on display. A real one. It nicely adds to the F 104 standing a bit further to commemorate the history of this military Airbase.
 
I looped over Beauvechain, Opvelp and Bierbeek to make it a nice little distance for an average weekday.
Ride Stats : 81K and 525/590 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h29mins
4628/49370
22-06-2010, 18:19 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 21-06-2010 |
| Relax |
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After the cold weather this weekend the skies broke open today and when I rode out for a ride in the late afternoon temps were reaching 20 degrees C. My Polar failed to register my heartrate so I had to do without that for the entire ride. When I got home I switched batteries in the sender and it looked like that solved the problem. My next ride will tell for sure.
Today I settled on a good pace while I was battling agin a still strong wind in the fields above Leefdaal. I then rode towards Neerijse and onwards to Terlanen and Ottenburg before returning over Sint Agatha Rode and Sint Joris Weert.
Last saturday I got my first horsefly bite of the season. She bit through 2 layers of clothing - my trousers and a 3/4 pants underneath them - but luckily she didn't get the chance to do a proper job. Only leaving me with a mild swelling and some redness that seems to react well to Aerius medication. Looks like I was lucky. Nevertheless I will take my precautions the next time I venture offroad. As usual I didn't feel anything whilst I was being bitten. I only noticed a mild pain afterwards and didn't notice I was actually bitten until sunday morning when I woke up with the swelling.
Ride Stats : 40.5K and 295/365 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h45mins
4547/48780
21-06-2010, 19:19 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 19-06-2010 |
| Nero |
The weather had taken a turn for the worse overnight and when I rode out around 11am it was 13 degrees C and there was a cold wind blowing from the north. I wanted to ride towards the Sonian Forest today, and there do the local Bloso loop, affectionately called the Nero route. Nero, by the way, is a comic book hero in Belgium.
When I rode towards Duisburg, I could see the sun from time to time but there were also dark clouds gathering here and there. I wore a long sleeved jersey and was glad I did. In this first part though , I had the wind more or less in my back so that was an advantage.
When I arrived in the forest I noriced some droplets of rain but the thick foliage kept me as good as dry. The dropping barometric pressure added a couple of free heightmeters to my Garmin as I rode through Jezus-Eik and picked up on the Nero route just in front of the - infamous - railroad singletrack. There were - again - workings going on at the start of the track but the track itself was restored and felt quite good. Some little technical sections and then at the end they had added a couple of whoop-de-doos and berms. Nice section here.
The rest of the Nero trail was its usual self, fast forest lanes and 3 sections of interesting singletracks. When I neared the last one, alongside the Avenue Dubois, it had started to rain again and this, along with the darkness, made the singletrack a bit more difficult to ride. I was already thinking the way back would be a wet one when the rain subsided and when I came back to the railroad where I started, I had a bite to eat and waited for the clouds to disappear.
To my surprise, and this really was a stroke of luck, the north-easterly side of the Sonian Forest seemed to be almost dry. When I emerged in Duisburg and ventured into the fields leading me towards the Ganzepoel, I even saw the sun peeping through the clouds. Its warmth made me dry up fast and the wind seemed to have subsided as well. I rode towards the Margijsbos and the into Sint Joris Weert for some last stretches of forest and some nice tracks to finish off this ride.
Ride Stats : 76,5K and 770/1010 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h58mins
4506/48415
19-06-2010, 16:35 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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